Comparison of Three Methods for START Triage Training in Paramedic Students: Traditional, Role-Play, and Web-Based Games

Authors : Batuhan Tay, Akın Turan, Yusuf Ali Altuncı, Hatice Şahin, Emine Sevinç Postacı

Pages : 98-107

Doi:10.25282/ted.1695478

View : 94 | Download : 233

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different instructional strategies—traditional lectures, role-play simulations, and web-based games—on improving START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage knowledge among paramedic students. Methods: An experimental study was conducted with 48 first-year students enrolled in a health-related education program, all of whom had no prior training in START triage. Participants were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n=16) and received instruction via (1) traditional slide-based lectures, (2) scenario-based role-play activities, or (3) a web-based simulation game known as “60 Seconds to Survival.” Each group was instructed by qualified trainers using a standardized protocol. A 10-item multiple-choice test was administered both before and after the training to assess knowledge acquisition. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze within-group differences, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for between-group comparisons. Results: All instructional methods led to a statistically significant improvement in students’ START triage knowledge (p 0.05). Demographic variables such as age, gender, screen time, gaming habits, and previous participation in similar trainings did not significantly influence the extent of knowledge improvement. These findings suggest that all three methods are comparably effective in achieving short-term educational goals in triage training. Conclusions: Traditional lectures, role-play simulations, and web-based gaming are equally effective methods for teaching START triage to paramedic students in the short term. Although each method has unique pedagogical strengths, none showed superior performance in terms of knowledge acquisition. Further studies are needed to examine long-term retention, practical skill application, and student engagement across different teaching modalities. A multimodal and flexible educational approach is recommended to enhance preparedness in emergency medical training.
Keywords : Afet tıbbı, Paramedik, Rol-Play Yöntemi, Web Tabanlı Öğrenme, Triyaj

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